Who is making a difference in Boone County? Recognize someone you know by submitting a nomination for the 2025 Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award or the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award. Nominations open March 7, and will be accepted through April 7, 2025.
About the Aaron Stookey Spirit of Philanthropy Award
Established in 1996, this fund is named after Aaron Stookey to recognize individuals or businesses in our community who are exemplary in their philanthropic activities. As the owner of the local Stookey’s Restaurant, Aaron dedicated his only night off to holding monthly fundraising dinners for Boone County needs for years. He donated his restaurant for fundraising events, purchased the food and supplies, supervised preparation, coordinated volunteer servers, handled event promotion, and donated all proceeds to the beneficiary charity.
Every year, this award recognizes someone who has a broad base of charitable activities. Someone who demonstrates a long-standing commitment to local charities, setting a positive example for others by their volunteerism, as well as, but not limited to, financial support. The award recipient pays it forward by selecting a nonprofit organization to receive an unrestricted grant.
Past recipients include Aaron Stookey, Jane Hammock, Richard Lenox, Virgil Benge, Kent & Charlotte Frandsen, Doc Russell Hardin, Pete & Sandy Obremskey, Doug Vawter, Brett & Shari Bayston, H. Peter Hudson, Jean Acton, Elmer Parks, and Rick Hammerle.
About the Lionel Dubay Youth Sports Award
The award was established in 1993 by Lionel Dubay’s wife, Gwen, his friends, and community donations to continue his legacy. Lionel was a vital parent and supporter of youth sports in Zionsville. He was an active Little League and Youth Soccer Association member and was instrumental in starting pee-wee football in Zionsville. This award recognizes someone who has made an ongoing commitment to any youth sport serving the Zionsville area, whether it be a coach, active supporter, team mom, or other supporting role. The award recipient then pays it forward by selecting a nonprofit organization that benefits youth sports in the community to receive an unrestricted grant.
Past recipients include Marty & Vicki Wilkey, Troy Hobick, Matt Chappell, Todd Schulte, Ken Kocher, Jeff Collins, Leslie Sherman, Jade Marsh, Kay Mikesky, Bob Richmond, Budd Glassberg, Mark Stevens, Martha Randel, Phil Isenbarger, Mike Garrett, Greg Kirkham, Rick Fiege, Bob Walters, Andrew Manna, and Craig Kouns.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF BOONE COUNTY
The Community Foundation of Boone County exists to unite people, organizations, and philanthropy to create a thriving community for all. Since 1991, its leaders have worked to empower and engage local communities to make a difference right here in Boone County, while also leading a vision to collaboratively address the root causes of challenges facing Boone County in diverse and equitable ways. The Community Foundation continues to invest in the people working to fill local needs and has granted more than $31 million to nonprofit organizations and programs working to solve critical challenges in Boone County. With nearly $38 million in assets, the Community Foundation works with donors to create permanent funds for charitable giving, to strengthen Boone County for generations to come.